Description
Operate and maintain drilling rigs and earth-boring equipment to drill, core, and blast holes for water wells, geotechnical and environmental sampling, and construction or mining work; set up rigs, control drilling parameters, collect samples, and ensure safe, accurate, and efficient operations.
- • Regulate air pressure, rotation, and feed pressure based on formation.
- • Verify borehole depths, angles, and alignments.
- • Start and stop rigs; control rotation, feed, and casing insertion.
- • Select drills, bits, and tooling for rock or soil conditions.
- • Level, stabilize, and align rigs using outriggers and controls.
- • Attach bits, rods, and tooling; add rods and change bits as needed.
- • Drill holes for blasting, grouting, anchors, utilities, and foundations.
- • Flush cuttings and blow dust from holes with water or air.
- • Position truck-mounted rigs; extend masts or derricks safely.
- • Perform routine service, lubrication, and wear-part replacement.
- • Drive rigs and support vehicles to and from work sites.
- • Log drilling parameters, progress, and geological observations.
- • Recover lost tools and equipment from boreholes.
- • Assemble augers, casing, screens, and related hardware.
- • Circulate water or drilling fluids to cool bits and clear cuttings.
- • Drill and sample for water wells, geotechnical, and environmental projects.
- • Conduct pumping tests and document well performance.
- • Describe formations and collect samples for laboratory analysis.
- • Pull rods and retrieve core samples.
- • Retract augers and discharge spoils safely.
- • Install casings, screens, pumps, seals, and wellheads.
- • Redevelop, disinfect, and rehabilitate wells and pumping systems.
- • Review site plans and client requirements to plan drilling.
- • Signal crane and equipment operators to move or place loads.
- • Inspect core and chip samples to confirm strata changes.
- • Fabricate and cut casing or screens as required.
- • Lay out drill and blast patterns per plans and site conditions.
- • Monitor gauges, sounds, and vibration; adjust parameters for safety and efficiency.
- • Follow safety procedures and environmental regulations.
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
